A Burundian journalist and writer has challenged the description of many Burundians living in Kenya as migrants, saying those who fled political turmoil and persecution should instead be treated as refugees.
Armel Gilbert Bukeyeneza said many Burundians did not cross into Kenya in search of jobs or better economic opportunities, but were forced to leave after a political crisis made it unsafe for them to remain in their country.
“The truth of the matter is that the reason why I left my country was the political crisis,” he said.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Bukeyeneza, who has lived in Kenya since 2017, said he was working as a journalist for international media organisations when Burundi plunged into a serious political crisis in 2015.
He was also running a platform that gave young people an opportunity to express themselves at a time when political tensions were rising in the country.
The crisis came after then-President Pierre Nkurunziza sought a third term in office, a move that faced opposition from those who argued that it went against the Constitution and a peace agreement.
Bukeyeneza said his work covering killings and the political unrest eventually exposed him to danger and made him a target.
“When you are reporting on a daily basis on people being killed, on a political crisis, you become a target,” he said.
He said the conditions that forced many Burundians to leave their country should be considered when determining how they are treated in Kenya.
Bukeyeneza drew a distinction between refugees and migrants, saying refugees are people compelled to leave their homes because of circumstances such as war, conflict or persecution, while migrants generally move voluntarily in search of employment, education or other opportunities.
“With all of that I have said, did these people come by choice? I would say no. They were forced out,” he said.
According to Bukeyeneza, Burundi's problems have also changed over time, with the political crisis now affecting the country's economic and social conditions.
He argued that the situation should not be viewed only through the lens of migration, particularly for people whose departure was driven by insecurity and political pressure.
His remarks come amid renewed attention on the status of Burundians in Kenya following an immigration enforcement exercise targeting foreigners involved in small-scale retail businesses and hawking.
The government has since given Burundian nationals 90 days to regularise their stay and businesses.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the extension was meant to respond to humanitarian concerns while allowing the process to be handled in an orderly and dignified manner.
“In the true spirit of East African cooperation, we are working hand-in-hand as one team to ensure order, dignity, and safety for all our brothers and sisters,” Sing’oei said.
Sing’oei also assured foreign nationals in Kenya of their safety, warning that harassment would not be tolerated.
“We strongly guarantee the safety of all foreign nationals; no harassment will be tolerated,” he said.
He further said any decision by Burundians to return home would have to be made freely and with adequate information, with the process properly recorded.
Sing’oei said any return of Burundians would be “strictly voluntary, informed and transparently documented”.